Holding steady.
Popularity of Vernell since 1897
Babies named Vernell per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1924, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Vernell's real moment was 1932.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1890s | 5 | 0 |
| 1900s | 60 | 0 |
| 1910s | 510 | 142 |
| 1920s | 1,445 | 294 |
| 1930s | 1,588 | 362 |
| 1940s | 1,340 | 473 |
| 1950s | 1,200 | 546 |
| 1960s | 617 | 434 |
| 1970s | 228 | 363 |
| 1980s | 101 | 287 |
| 1990s | 30 | 236 |
| 2000s | 0 | 135 |
| 2010s | 0 | 66 |
| 2020s | 0 | 6 |
Meaning & origin
Vernell is a diminutive of Vernon that saw most of its use in the early to mid-20th century. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1897 and reached its peak in 1932, a time when shortened forms of established names were fashionable. The name has not ranked in the top 1,000 since at least the 1960s, and its trajectory remained stable without a recent revival. Though it never achieved widespread popularity outside of its peak decade, Vernell remains a distinctive choice for those seeking an old-fashioned, surname-style name with a friendly sound.
Vernell is a diminutive of Vernon, which derives from a Norman French place name meaning 'alder grove' (from Latin vernus 'springlike'). Vernon was introduced to England after the Norman Conquest and became a surname before being used as a given name. Vernell emerged as an affectionate short form in the late 19th century, particularly in the United States, and was most popular in the 1930s.
Where Vernell is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Vern, Nell
Sibling names for Vernell
Names that share Vernell's style, for a brother or sister.
